Formula One Highlights: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Raceday.
Part 8
The Grand Prix finally drew to a close after an epic marathon that left the entire Formula One world speechless.
Sebastian Vettel, aged 23 years, made history as he became the youngest driver to win the championship in the six decade sport. Red Bull went on to claim both; team and individualistic honors for the 2010 season. The young German could not have timed it any better as before this race; he had never led the driver’s championship! However, having said that, it was perhaps a fair result considering the fact that both, team and driver had been consistently quick throughout the season – Arguably, the perfect marriage!
It was an encouraging finish to the season for McLaren Mercedes as well. The team saw both its drivers finish in 2nd & 3rd and thereby claiming the remaining two steps of the podium – They’d be expected to be a formidable force; come March, 2011. It could have been even better as Hamilton appeared to have the pace to battle with Vettel but was stuck behind Kubica after his first pit stop.
Turning our attention to the ‘potential’ heirs of the throne heading into the final race, Webber and Alonso, had a race to forget as they lost what, appeared to be right in their grasps after round 18 – They finished 7th and 8th respectively. The Ferrari ace struggled for most of the race stuck behind Petrov's Renault. It was a clear strategic error from Ferrari to call in Alonso to pit so early.
Nico Rosberg was impressive as usual. This time, he finished as high as 4th. The young German has constantly overshadowed his team mate Michael Schumacher this season; to an extent that the latter’s seat on the team looks comparatively questionable. Robert Kubica claimed 5th after his heroics with a very late pit stop. Vitaly Petrov followed his team mate with a strong 6th. Jamie Alguersuari did exceptionally well in his Toro Rosso to finish 9th, ahead of the Ferrari of Felipe Massa who rounded up the top 10 positions – Massa had been an alien in the 55 lap battle; something that should be unacceptable based on the credentials of the Ferrari – Will we see him next season in the scarlet outfit?
However, with all said and done, it was arguably Vettel’s party as he took the youngest ever champion mantle from Hamilton by a mere 5 months, he was also only the second German driver to be crowned champion after Michael Schumacer.
As suggested in the previous part, it looked increasingly similar to the finale of the 2008 season that saw Kimi Raikonnen lift the title after the final lap of the last race. While Ferrari were on the ‘news making’ end then, this time they were the constructors that had to bear the brunt of losing a title that looked nearly certainly their’s.
In the other battle for positions, Williams managed to edge out Force India for 6th in the constructors as none of the drivers from the two teams finished in the points. It was an interesting battle throughout the course of the season. However, looking at the broader picture, the level of competition has arguably increased this season. Such teams were previously looked down upon as the low end players – The ground that they had made up in just a season was commendable. This makes the overall sport more competative and subsequently, more interesting for the eye.
It has been an incredible season and a great advertisement for Formula 1. At different points of the season, we've seen 5 drivers lead the championship. It really couldn't have been any closer. Adding to that, teams such as Renault have emereged as possible challengers to the Formula One elites. Kubica was often seen in the midst of the top 5 finishers and to add to that, it was yet another Renault that greatly influenced the fate of the championship.
The new comers including Lotus F1, Hispania Racing and Virgin F1 have come a long way since making their debut this season. Just as Force India and Williams improved after the 2009 season, it won’t be a surprise witnessing something similar for the trio.
It was perhaps the perfect finale to an eventful Formula season...
That concludes our coverage for this season. We'll see you next year!
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